How Animal and Plant Protein Shakes Change the Body's Nutrient and Health Responses

NANot yet recruitingINTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment

15

Participants

Timeline

Start Date

October 31, 2025

Primary Completion Date

March 31, 2026

Study Completion Date

April 30, 2026

Conditions
Cardiometabolic Health
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Animal-Based Protein Smoothie

This smoothie is formulated to deliver 50% of its total caloric content from high-quality animal-based protein, such as whey protein isolate or pasteurized egg whites. It is designed to evaluate the postprandial metabolic and immune response to animal-derived protein sources. The smoothie does not contain any added free amino acids and is prepared in a food-safe certified kitchen under standardized conditions. All participants consume the smoothie after an overnight fast to ensure consistency in metabolic assessment.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Plant-Based Protein Smoothie

This smoothie is formulated to deliver 50% of its total caloric content from plant-based protein, such as pea or rice protein isolate. It is designed to evaluate the postprandial metabolic and immune response to plant-derived protein sources. The smoothie does not contain any added free amino acids and is prepared in a food-safe certified kitchen under standardized conditions. All participants consume the smoothie after an overnight fast to ensure consistency in metabolic assessment.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Plant-Based Protein Smoothie with Leucine

This smoothie is formulated to deliver 50% of its total caloric content from plant-based protein, using sources such as pea or rice protein isolate. In addition, it is supplemented with pharmaceutical-grade leucine to match the leucine content typically found in animal-based protein sources. The smoothie is designed to assess whether leucine supplementation can modulate the postprandial metabolic and immune response to plant-derived protein. It is prepared in a food-safe certified kitchen and consumed after an overnight fast to maintain consistency across study conditions.

Trial Locations (1)

15213

UPMC Montefiore - Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC), Pittsburgh

All Listed Sponsors
lead

University of Pittsburgh

OTHER